WOLVES striker Jay Bothroyd has set himself the challenge of becoming “indispensable” to boss Mick McCarthy when he finally secures a first team return.

WOLVES striker Jay Bothroyd has set himself the challenge of becoming “indispensable” to boss Mick McCarthy when he finally secures a first team return.

Bothroyd, the only one of Wolves’ four front-line strikers yet to start a game this season, currently finds himself low down in the pecking order behind favoured duo Andy Keogh and Stephen Elliott and four-goal top scorer Freddy Eastwood.

But the enigmatic 25-year-old is continuing to work hard - producing a lively display including a goal for the reserves on Tuesday - to ensure he is ready when opportunity comes knocking.

“I’m not playing at the moment and games like the reserves the other night are the ones you need to impress in,” said Bothroyd. “I think I needed a game, I’ve not had one for around four weeks, so it was good for the fitness and match sharpness as well.

“I think I’m in the manager’s thoughts, we all are, but the two boys up front have done well and got the spots. But things can change just like that so me and Freddy and the rest of the boys have to keep working hard so we’re ready when we do get our opportunity.

“I’m confident that when I do get games I will score goals but I’ve got to be patient at the moment. And when I do get an opportunity I’ve got to make myself indispensable to the manager and stay in the team and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Bothroyd admits he’s not the only former first-team regular to have found himself on the sidelines so far this season, but believes it’s a sign of the strengthening of the squad under McCarthy.

“There’s also Darren Potter who’s been Irish captain on the bench at the moment which shows the strength of the squad we’ve got,” he added. “All we can do it try 100 per cent and give it our all in these sorts of games and the training sessions and then it’s up to the manager.

“Sometimes it’s hard when you’re not playing and you desperately want to be playing. Your attitude has to be right, sulking doesn’t get you into the team but hard work does.

“It’s always good to have strong competition for places but obviously the boys up front are likely to start again after a good win against Norwich.”